Welcome to SPACE, our adult continuing education program which offers interactive monthly courses for personal enrichment! Learn more here.

January 2023  Standard Module
A Module in Introduction to Ancient MagicNon-Sequential Series
Mixed Lecture/Discussion • Low intensity
In this module we examine the use of magic in the early Christian world, its relationship with contemporary magic, and related texts. We will explore the origins of this magic, how it was used, and how it evolved over time. We will look at both religious and non-religious magic through a number of examples, both verbal spells and magical items, such as Aramaic incantation bowls. Note: This module was formerly called Ancient Magic 3.

The module will follow an 8-session structure as shown below:
Outline 8-Session Structure
Week 1 Lecture 1: IIntroduction and ancient world
Discussion 1: Christianity to circa 1000 CE
Week 2 Lecture 2: High and Late Middle Ages circa 1000-1500 CE
Discussion 2: Medieval Condemnation of Magic circa 1000-1500 CE
Week 3 Lecture 3: Witchcraft circa 1500-1800 CE
Discussion 3: Renaissance to Enlightenment circa 1450-1800 CE
Week 4 Lecture 4: Magic in the West circa 1800 CE
Discussion 4: Excursus

Required Texts

Meyer, Mirecki, Ancient Magic and Ritual Power by Marvin W. Meyer, Paul Allan Mirecki

Ancient Magic and Ritual Power by Marvin W. Meyer, Paul Allan Mirecki

Quack, Cultural Plurality in Ancient Magical Texts and Practices Graeco-Egyptian Handbooks and Related Traditions by K. van der Toorn,

The Theology of Demons in Mesopotamia and Israel: Imported Monsters: Baal, Beelzebub, Moloch, and Others by Douglas L. Penney,

"By the Power of Beezelbub: An Aramaic Incantation Formula from Qumran (4Q560)" Journal of Biblical Literature 113 (1994): 627-650.
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Days and Times

Meeting Tuesdays & Thursdays at 8:00 PM Eastern for eight 1-hour classes on Jan 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, (19), 24, 26, 31.

Signum Time
US/Eastern
Note Your Time
unknown
Tue, Jan 3
8:00 PM
Thu, Jan 5
8:00 PM
Tue, Jan 10
8:00 PM
Thu, Jan 12
8:00 PM
Tue, Jan 17
8:00 PM
Tue, Jan 24
8:00 PM
Thu, Jan 26
8:00 PM
Tue, Jan 31
8:00 PM
If you have any questions about the SPACE program, please reach out to [email protected].